Columbia Men's Shasta Ridge Omni-Tech Mid Hiking Shoes

Good Morning Everyone,

This is the last post I have on hiking boots and shoes for awhile. I think we have covered a lot of ground (no pun intended) but I wanted to be sure and talk about this particular brand. As I stated in my previous post, Columbia is one of my favorite manufacturers. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, and Columbia being a local company, does have some bearing on my choice. That being said, let me tell you a little bit about the company.

Columbia was started  In 1938, by a pair of German immigrants who fled Nazi Germany. They found a new home in America, and with the  purchase of a small hat company, in Portland, their business was born. The name Columbia was taken from the river that flows nearby. When the immigrant's son Neil (who was by then running the company) suddenly passed away in 1970, his wife Gert went from housewife to Corporate executive overnight. With the help of her son Tim who was attending the U of O as a senior at that time, they rescued the company and the rest is history. In 1975, they were among the first to introduce Gore-Tex® in a parka.*  

Columbia has since introduced many of their own designs, Omni-Tech®: (1991) Columbia's proprietary waterproof-breathable technology, followed by Omni Dry®: (1997) A High-performance moisture management technology and finally,Omni-Shade® (2008) Columbia's proprietary sun protection technology. Gert still remains as Chairwoman and Tim is still their longtime CEO.  Why do I tell you all of this? To give you some idea as to the innovative, forward thinking nature of their decisions, designs and Ideas that inspire their products to this day.

So with that lead in, let's get to the Shasta Ridge Omni Tech Mid cut hiking boot. This is a boot that is made for hiker's who need versatility. No, it's not a snow boot this time, I just like it for it's many uses. I find it to be the ideal footwear regardless of whether it be camping, light hiking, biking or just plain perusing the local flea markets. 

For this design, Columbia beefed up the forefoot with an extended toe bumper made with durable non-marking Omni-Grip®rubber. The upper's are made with rugged leather and a durable textile, married to a mid height design. The higher side, you guessed it, keeps rocks and debris out as it protects your ankles from abrasions. The Omni-Tech™  membrane inside, is breathable and waterproof, keeping your feet dry on those early morning dew wet, meadow hikes. Another innovation, isTechlite®  which is specially formulated to provide impact-absorbing support, stability, and protection. Thus, enabling you to go the distance in comfort along with a decoupled heel design to absorb shock as well as provide a great fit.

Finally, we are down to the outsole. (tread) These boots feature: Omni-Grip® Advanced Traction, which is a multi-terrain traction system, matching specially formulated compounds and treads to specific environments, giving you sure-footed confidence for any activity. All said and done, for an all around, non insulated hiking boot, you can't go wrong with these boots.

This concludes (for now) my blogs on boots and shoes. I hope you have found some kernel of information to enable you to make an informed buying decision. As always, thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail

  *Gore-Tex is a waterproof/breathable fabric, and a registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates. It was co-invented by Wilbert L. Gore, Rowena Taylor, and Gore's son, Robert W. Gore. Robert Gore was granted U.S. Patent 3,953,566 on April 27, 1976, for a porous form ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (the chemical constituent of Teflon) with a micro-structure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils. Robert Gore, Rowena Taylor, and Samuel Allen were granted U.S. Patent 4,194,041 on March 18, 1980 for a "waterproof laminate." For its invention, Robert W. Gore was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006

Hi-Tec Jackson Hole 400 Casual Boots

Hi-Tec Jackson Hole 400 Casual Boots

Good Morning! 

I hope you all are enjoying the fall weather we are starting to see. It gets me excited for a cool, crisp autumn hike. In keeping with the series I started, I want to talk about hiking boots, specifically, one more boot, in the "Insulated Boot" category. The boot that I am referring to is the Jackson Hole 400, sold by Hi-Tec. The company opened it's doors in England in 1974 and in the USA in 1978. They have not looked back since. Their own statement "We are Inspired by Life" tells you something of their commitment to the needs of the customer. A company driven to make sure people get the most out of life.  Inasmuch as winter is coming, I thought I would spend some time on insulated boots. I spoke earlier about liking insulated and waterproof boots for hiking in the snow, so, here goes.

First off, the name, Jackson Hole 400 'Casual' Boot. As we all know, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is renowned for it's winter snowfall. Are these boots named for that? After reading this, I'll let you make the call. The '400' in the name, as you can probably guess, stands for 400 G of Thinsulate insulation. (rated to -40 degrees)*  The word, 'Casual' though, doesn't seem to fit, or does it? Read on.

The uppers are made from a combination of waterproof suede leather and mesh,  for durability  and waterproofing. The boot upper and lower are fully seamed, featuring a Thermo-Dri® waterproof construction. This seals out the elements. Now, I told you earlier, that I like warm and dry----and these boots deliver. Whether you hike all day, or just wear them as work boots, they remain lightweight and comfortable. You have a removable comfort sock liner to keep your foot warm, plus a steel shank and a CMEVA  (Compression Molded Ethyl Vinyl Acetate ) mid sole to give you not only the best in comfort, but also cushioning and support.

What's left you say? The out sole (or tread) is the same as noted in many Hi-Tec products. The Siped, wide lug, carbon rubber sole construction, help maintain your grip on snow, slush or ice. The colder it get's outside, the better these soles work. These are the best, waterproof, insulated all around boot for the money.

Well hiker's, that's it for today, thanks for reading. Next up, one of my favorites for sure, Columbia Boots, a "local legend". Take care and I'll see you on the trail!  - Campingman

*

Temperature ratings are approximate. They are based on high activity levels and can be affected by many conditions. These condition include but are not limited to: weather, wearer's activity level, fitness, metabolism, perspiration, circulation, exposure time, clothing and cold sensitivity. Use accordingly.

North Face Back To Berkeley Hiking Boots

The North Face Back-To Berkeley Hiking Boots

As promised, we are going to continue our discussion of different types of hiking boots. Today's focus in on the North Face Back To Berkeley hiking boot. If any of you have experience with these boots, I would love to hear about them. Feel free to leave some comments after the post. 

So the basics....First off, it's a mid top boot and there are several variations to choose from. The uppers are made of combinations of waterproof suede, Nubuck leathers and/or PU coated ballistic mesh. Although these boots are modern day hi-tec, they still retain some of that "Old School" classic good looks. These are truly innovative, insulated and functional boots. Again, keep in mind, they come in a variety of colors. Plus North Face, is right here in the U.S.A. and THAT is a very important thing to consider in my book....but before I digress to far, I'll try to refocus on the topic at hand.

 

Has anyone besides me ever wondered,  how the name "North Face" came about in the first place?  Well, for those of you (like me) who didn't know, as the story goes, the company was founded by a couple of hiking enthusiast's, right there in San Francisco's North Beach. But, the "North" in their name is not from North Beach. Oh no, it's because: "In the Northern Hemisphere, the "north face" of a mountain, is generally the coldest, iciest, and most formidable to climb." Since their beginnings, their dedication to manufacturing nothing but the most high quality products is bar none, top of the game. They've focused on quality, and durability, matching the formidability of the north face of mountains from which they chose their name. Thus, one of my choices of hiking boots, the North Face Boots.

So, even though the Back to Berkeley boots are lighter in construction than some, they still retain those durable, waterproof, winter insulated qualities of other, heavier boots on the market. As an example, they have a die cut EVA mid sole and 100 G PrimaLoft® Eco Insulation. This allows for ventilation of your feet while maintaining foot comfort. After wearing a pair of these boots for hours, upon hours on those long winter days? You will appreciate what I mean.

The uppers utilize a combination of waterproof materials as I said the gusseted boot tongue keeps foreign elements out and the metal lace hardware provides long life and durability. Beyond the obvious hi-tec boot talk, these boots offer great cushioning and impact protection as you hike. They are waterproof and most of all, lightweight. I just can't say enough about them. Keep in mind, these are not made for carrying heavy loads. But your feet will love them for long casual hikes, even in the snow.

The outsole (tread) utilizes Long-lasting TNF Winter Grip™ rubber, with Ice Pick™ temperature sensitive lugs. Allowing for great traction, on almost any winter surface. Exclusive to footwear from The North Face, these rubber Ice Pick™ lugs actually harden in cold weather for improved traction on hard pack snow and icy walkways. Despite their namesake, "Back to Berkeley Boots" Berkeley, California doesn't really get snow.

Next up, the Hi-Tec Jackson Hole 400 Boot. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail

Hi-Tec Yeti Hiking Boots

Hi-Tec Yeti 2 200 Hiking Boots

I thought that for the next few posts, I might write a bit further about hiking boots and shoes. I know we started talking about them the other day, but I felt as if I had not really given my reader's a broad spectrum to compare and/or choose from. I never try to persuade, just provide helpful information. There are so many out there, but I will speak only of the ones I have used or that friends have used. That being said, today's subject is going to start with a boot, well known for it's waterproof and ankle support capabilities. The Hi-Tec Yeti 2 200. First of all, this company is right here in the U.S. of A. This particular boot, though listed as a "casual boot" is anything but. Even the number 200 in the name is synonymous with it's design (a full 200 G of Thermolite insulation).

So, let's get to it. This is an insulated boot, but the inner liner is removable if needed. I start with an insulated boot, because winter is fast approaching and believe you me, winter does not slow my hiking unless it's a blizzard out there. The boot provides great ankle support, while giving you a good range of motion. (note the angling cut around the back ankle part of the boot) Something else to think about, the removable liner can be kept inside your sleeping bag overnight, so that it helps warm your boot in the morning.

The high cut look of these boots, utilizes a combination of Microfiber, Nylon and Nubuck leather for the uppers, with a molded heel and forefoot, to present you with not only durability, but comfort and insulation from the elements. The removable, waterproof bootie (is more of a sock really) is actually a memory liner and also helps reduce odors. The full seam sealed construction, is what keeps the weather out. Your feet will stay warm and dry.

The Outsole (tread)  of this boot is even hi-tec. By that, I mean it's made from siped ( small cuts across the rubber for added traction in ice and snow ) Anti-freeze MDT carbon rubber for an aggressive lug style tread. This combination, gives you improved footing in winter weather. Trust me, all the hi-tec stuff aside? These boots will keep your feet warm and dry whether you are climbing those mountain rocks or hiking the forest trails.

Next up in this series, a shot article on North Face's Back to Berkeley Boots. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail

Dagger Green Boat Kayaks

Good Morning Everyone,

Today I wanted to write a smidgen or two about the Dagger Green Boat Kayak. I personally really enjoy this kayak and thought a good overview of why would be helpful. I've written a few other articles about them as well on my Campingman Squidoo pages. If you haven't seen my websites there, hop on over and visit. And if you've been searching for some good information, AND some good deals... Free Shipping and a 15% discount might be just what you are hoping for. 

The Dagger Green Boat is a fabulous first kayak, river kayak or just about any water kayak with the exception of shallow tight micro creeks. It's an incredibly fast, nimble boat and turns easily. But, like anything, you must learn how to use your skills with this boat. It doesn't matter if you've paddled many a kayak before, the following section applies to you just the same as a novice. A good skill set is learned over time, and long boat Kayaking is no different. The basic thing needed for any kayaking? Be in good shape!

The Dagger Green Boat Kayak is a mixture of speed, volume and maneuverability. It accelerates quickly, with a bow up scheme, making it so easy to boof. You have to change your timing though, to accommodate the extra length. You still put your paddle in the water in the same starting spot, (yes, you still have to reach), but you now have to relearn how to carry the stroke further. You carry it further, to maintain your lift, while waiting for your stern to separate. Once you learn this small habit change, you will blast over holes and through eddy's with ease.

Long boats like to be paddled forward. They are designed for aggressive water handling. That being said, this boat is still easy to turn and you will find it super stable through rapids. It is designed, as I said to steer quickly, turn and/or dig in to get you downstream. For a big boat, this boat is fast. Some even call it lively. There is a sector of our kayaking community who feel the boat is 'tippy' to coin a phrase, but for the most part, these remarks are usually from people who started out kayaking in big, wide, platforms and are moving into 'real kayaks' (to coin another phrase) and find real kayaks less stable.Now, that aside this boat is very stable, but can become twitchy if you're back paddling and not paying attention, as the rounded bottom will take a bit of getting used to. Once learned, you will find you are in the NASCAR racer of the kayaks.

 Long boats are also more forgiving when it comes to down angles The bow will actually deflect and resurface before the stern has landed, thus giving you more momentum as you drop and pull away from the curtain. The Dagger Green Boat is great for white water tripping as well as pool drops. 

Class IV or class V's? No problem It punches holes through them like a missile. The Dagger Green Boat cover's all categories of kayaking with ease, regardless of whether you are going upstream or down. There is no other kayak that performs as well as the Dagger Green Boat Kayak.... but don't take my word on it... check them out for yourself.  And, as always.... I'll see you on the trail!  ~ Campingman

Footwear Choices for Hiking or Camping

Footwear Choices

I haven't discussed the actual shoes/boots to use on the trail, so today I thought I would start a discussion on both. I tend to like a lighter weight boot, with good traction, support and insulation and maybe even water proof. There are hundreds of boots and shoes on the market to choose from, and no one knows better than your foot, which one is for you.

Don't go to the store with any pre-conceived notions of getting anything more than a good, comfortable fit. Feet are NOT brand specific, if you know what I mean? They just work best when they are comfortable. Comfort is a big deal for me. If you are going to have these things on your feet for 12-16 hours a day, buy something that suits your trip, as well as something that fits your foot. Even if you are carrying a heavy backpack, the boots do not necessarily have to be the old waffle stompers we all grew up with. Different hiking requires different footwear. If your just going on a day hike on a Forest Service trail, heavy boots aren't needed, so buy and dress accordingly. 

A properly fitted shoe or boot means, your toes should wiggle easily inside the boot, and your foot should NOT slide from side to side nor feel squeezed. Your foot, once inside, should feel secure as if your foot is being cradled. As an example, if the boot fits lengthwise but your foot slides side to side and the next half size down fits fine side to side but your toes are cramped. It simply means the style of boot or shoe you have chosen, is not for you. Choose another style or brand, until you find YOUR boot or shoe. Myself, I tend to like and wear Northface or Columbia boots. I find they fit my foot well. I am in no way endorsing these particular boots, I am simply stating the simple fact, that "my foot" picked them out and THAT is how you should pick yours. Check them out, but by all means, buy what your foot tells you to.

Hiking Shoes

We're going to start with shoes, because this is the most common type of hiking. A good hiking shoe should fit like your favorite pair of tennies. In other words, they should fit like a glove, but need to have a decent flexible and supportive mid sole. The mid sole is the layer between the outer tread, or the bottom and the upper part of the shoe or boot. They should provide cushioning and shock absorption as well as flexibility. Most all manufacturers have improved the quality and durability of their shoes over the years, to the point that you can actually wear them on longer hikes. Keep in mind, these shoes are not intended for climbing and DO NOT have the support for carrying large packs or any type of heavy duty backpacking. These are a good choice shoe for light loads on well maintained trails. Keep in mind though that they offer little protection to the ankles from debris and bushes.

Hiking Boots

Next up? Low top hiking boots. For weekend backpacking trips, and with the myriads of choice out there, pick a boot that fits and is low to mid cut. Mid cut is a style in between an ankle high shoe and a high cut boot. It's a choice for shorter distance, multi-day hikes. They provide added ankle support and protection, but remember, they are recommended for lighter backpack loads. Most of these boots are made from synthetic or suede materials and require little to no break in time.They do not have the durability nor support necessary for carrying heavily loaded packs or for multi-day hikes. Shop for your boot, but make sure it is the right choice for your hike. Again, shop for your comfort.

Backpacking Boots

Now were getting down to it. Just the name alone, belies the difference. These boots are generally made with high cut tops and provide the maximum in ankle support. The also provide protection from the terrain and brush, as well as support for heavy loads, for extended periods of time. These boots are perfect for those 40 lb packs and multi-day hikes into the back country, like hikes to that remote fishing spot, that only you know. You want a boot with a decent outsole (that's the layer that comes in contact with the ground).  Generally these soles are made of rubber and have a cheated type design (AKA, waffle stompers').  The reasoning behind that type of tread is simple. Traction for a variety of surfaces. You also want a boot that is light and waterproof. Adding your own waterproofing is a good idea. Make sure these boots fit and are broken in before you take off on that extended hike. 

Mountain Hiking/Climbing Boots

These bad boys are for the serious packer. These are for those really, rough and tumble hikes and/or climbing forays. This type of boot is especially designed for moving across, up or down, very inhospitable territory. They generally have a higher cut top, simply for additional support. This enables the hiker to climb and move in any direction, with full support. Whether it be up or down, steep or rugged terrain, you do so with ease. Most boots in this category are designed for use with crampons. Crampons are those metal claws that strap to your boot for traction in snow and ice. These boots are also designed for the 50 lb + loads you tend to carry when trekking ice fields and/or mountains. They are the most durable of boots, in that they are waterproof and are made using a combination of materials. These combinations include leather and synthetics like Kevlar, (a registered trademark product developed by Dupont).  Some boots even utilize materials such as lightweight plastics, providing light but strong, ankle and leg support.

I hope I have shed a bit of light on the subject of boots. For more information, click on any of our advertisers. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail.

What to eat on the trail... variety is the spice of life!

Good Morning,

In today's post, I want to get you thinking about what kind of food you might pack in your backpack for a hiking or camping trip. There are a lot of different options out there so today I hope to give you some food for thought- pun intended!

Carrying your Food in your Backpack - the Basics:

                              

There's been a lot of talk lately about which foods are best and what to buy and so forth, in reality it comes down to preference. A simple thing known as taste. Some people love MRE's, some love freeze dried, other's yet, only eat fresh food. Me? I've never found it easy to take fresh eggs and milk along on a pack trip, but whatever your choice, buy from a reputable company that carries only the freshest and best products available on the market. My choice is freeze dried. Simply add boiling water and eat. the container is your plate and cleanup is simple and fast. Also, I carry a small snap on pouch for the bottom of my backpack for all of my trash. If your pack does not offer a snap on pouch, simply fashion something of your own design and tie or carabineer it to your pack.  I haul out whatever I haul in, leaving nature as I found it.

Food Choices

Everyone is a wee bit different, I realize, in what the carry to eat. Today, we are going to talk about freeze dried meals. So, let's start with the first meal of the day. I have found that breakfast is the most important meal of a hiking day. It must consist of carbs, and proteins to sustain you till mid day, so I pack along a bacon and egg, or just an egg breakfast and some granola and whey milk. For snacks in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon, I carry a package or two of cornuts, trail mix or some kind of snack to tide me over. A mid day meal should be light, but here again, depending upon the severity of your hike, carbs and protein are once again to be considered, so buy accordingly. The meals I am talking about, are shipped in 60 package re-useable buckets. Now for the best part. Do you remember I talked about hiking being inexpensive? Well, here it is. These meals, work out to just over 85 cents each. You can't eat at McDonalds for that price.

I am not talking about dry, gaggy, stick in your throat tasteless meals either. I am talking about meals made with the finest quality ingredients, blended in the most delicious recipes on the market, you just add water and serve! I have several buckets of freeze dried food, of different tastes, and I keep them on hand for ease of choice. For example, I have a choice of eggs, oatmeal and citrus drink in one bucket, varieties of granola and whey milk in another. The same with my dinner choices.  They have the largest variety in the industry with 19 different just-add-water gourmet meals that provide a full 2000 calories/day.These products carry a 20 year shelf life. Besides, by purchasing meals packet in a re-useable bucket, I know I will have choices on hand for that last minute trip. All meals cook in 15 minutes or less and you only need to add water. Feel free to add a few of your own ingredients to become your own gourmet chef. The company I am talking about here, is in the good old USA once again. They are located in Lindon, Utah. (A bit south of Salt Lake City and a bit north of Provo) Their meals include free shipping on orders over $50, and have an unlimited return policy.

Emergency Supplies

Pretty much back to basics here. Pack accordingly for the locales you intend to hike. For example, you're not going to pack cargo shorts and t-shirts if you're hiking in the snow. So think. But here are some basics. Buy and carry a decent first aid kit. Get one that has more than band aids and some alcohol swabs. Buy something that will allow you to set a broken bone if needed or sew up a bad cut as well as attend to the usual cuts and scrapes. A couple of Ace bandages, water proof matches and/or fire starter, flashlight, rope, (parachute cord is lightweight, strong and available everywhere), camp knife, compass of some kind, (yes, you trekkies can take a GPS device) hydration tablets and a good emergency radio. Also, it never hurts to have a signal mirror and a survival blanket. You don't have to go over board for any of this stuff, as it can all be had for a reasonable price, isn't too bulky or heavy to carry. All of it can be used over and over and is well worth having when you need it.

Take care, and I'll see you on the trail.

A Tough Story ... Always be prepared

Tough Story

 

How many of you people saw or read the news about the Utah hiker who was stranded in a drainage ditch for four days? Put your hands up. Ok, put your hands down, I was kidding. This poor fellow stranded with no food and water and a dead cell phone for four days? As the story is being reported by the Salt Lake Tribune, the New York Daily News and ABC News, Mr. Samuelsen was hiking with a friend, near Parleys Canyon, Utah. (just over 10 miles south east of Salt Lake City) when they decided to split up. This was last Wednesday.

 

During his hike, he came to a Highway and wisely, decided to not try to cross it. He decided that he would bypass it by going through a drainage tunnel under the highway. Upon entering the tunnel, he slipped on the incline and fell 50', shattering his right leg. Now that alone makes me get the willies, but the worst is yet to come. He states that he heard his leg "crack" when he struck the bottom of the tunnel, and upon examining it he realizes the bone is protruding from a compound fracture. What does he do?

 

Now is where his problems begin. His cell phone is dead and he has no food or water. Finally, after four days of yelling and banging on the tunnel pipe with no response, he becomes frustrated. He's hearing the traffic so close, but so far away, and it led him to think he was going to die. Finally, finding a piece of wood to splint his leg, he crawled for two hours to reach the highway, where he flagged down a driver. The day was Saturday.

 

He was then taken to St,. Marks hospital where he was admitted and treated for a compound fracture of his right leg, and dehydration. The hospital performed surgery on his leg and the final outcome is yet to be determined. Dr's do not know as yet if the infection is under control or if his leg will have to be amputated.

Lessons to be learned

 

In hopes that you reader's realize, I am in no any way, trying to take anything away from Mr. Samuelsen with regards to his ordeal. But, he suffered for those four long days, because of some simple mistakes. Can we learn from his mistakes? You bet.

 

I stress in my blogs, the importance of always taking water, food, shelter, flashlight, a good first aid kit and an emergency radio. I don't care if you are on a day trip or a ten day hike, prepare for eventualities. Plan your trip, plan your gear, plan your exit.

If he had, had these basic items with him, they would have increased the likelihood of his rescue much sooner, or even of not needing to be rescued in the first place. What is that, you say? Let me explain.

 

The flashlight would have shown him the dangerous slope to the drainage tunnel, before he could fall. The emergency radio can charge a cell phone, so he would not have a dead phone. (probably no reception 50' underground anyway) The first aid kit could have treated his dangerous wounds to his leg to probably have helped stave off infection. Giving him time to prepare to rescue himself. In some situations (such as he found himself) you cannot depend upon others. The food and water could have nourished him in the event that he had to get himself out if there, if indeed his charged cell phone had no reception.

 

One final note, back to when he split up with his hiking partner? Had they but agreed upon an end of hike meeting time, it might have triggered a rescue sooner if he had not shone up on the agreed upon time. Prepare for any eventuality, no matter how experienced you are.

 

Remember......plan your trip, plan your gear, plan your exit. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you on the trail.

Tube Tents

We've talked a lot about tents here lately, individual, to family size. But I am going to talk about one more. In one of my earlier posts, I talked about always taking a waterproof cover for my backpack, etc. Well, what if I told you that there was a waterproof cover available that would also double as an emergency shelter? Dual purpose use if you will. I use them to cover my pack as I hike in the rain. (Remember, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, you learn to prepare for any weather). 

The reason I bring this up today, is that I am going to move forward in my backpacking series and I wanted to include a little story about this tent/waterproof shelter. There are many of these out there on the market, but if you read the specs, you will find that they are made from pretty thin materials. So thin in fact, that they are prone to tearing easily. Now, I have also used these tents/waterproof shelter's as ground cover when sleeping in the open and they work great, but I will get more into that later.

Tube tent from Nitro-Pak

Today I want to talk about a very specific type of tent: Tube Tents. 

Yep, that's their official name. Tube tents make an 'A' frame shelter. The one I am going to talk about today, is made by a very successful company in Heber, Utah. That's right, another good old USA company: Nitro-Pak.

Although the company is known for it's lines of survival foods and emergency products, I ran across their shelter's one day while ordering some food for a pack trip I was taking. The shelter, is a full 8' x 3',  and is made from waterproof polyethylene. Do you remember I said that many of these type shelters on the market are thin and tear easily? Well, that's because they are made out of 1.0-2.0 mm thickness of polyethylene. These tents I am taking about today, are made from a full,  2.5 mm thick polyethylene, making it much heavier quality and ultimately, more durable. You will find that even though it is considered an emergency shelter, it can be used multiple times. 

Now, since it is called a "Tube tent," that means it does not require you to carry any poles. Simply locate the shelter in between two trees approximately 12-15' apart, then use the nylon cord (provided) through the center of the tent and you have a ready shelter. Both ends are open, so I suggest you take along some clips or clothes line pins, to clip something over the end openings in case it rains.

The shelter fits one person and their gear quite easily, or two medium sized adults very snugly. I only point out that it can shelter two people, to allude also to it's use as an emergency shelter. It is a low cost (under $6.00! ) and lightweight alternative if you are packing a bit heavy and need to lighten your load. This is an inexpensive alternative. You see, it weighs in at 15 oz.,  it's made in the bright orange international color and as I said at the beginning? It works as a waterproof cover for my pack during the day and/or a  ground cover that night. 
That's it for today, thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail.